It is well known that lowering average blood glucose decreases the risk of diabetic complications involving the small vessels, such as those found in the eyes, nerves and kidney. It is less clear however, if controlling fluctuations in blood glucose will further help to prevent such complications.

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between extreme fluctuations in glucose and damage to the blood vessel lining.

Studies have shown that glycemic variability is associated with oxidative stress which in turn has been correlated with endothelial damage. Further, endothelial damage has been identified as a critical event lending way to the vascular complications seen in many disease states.

The specific aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between short-term glycemic variability and biomarkers of endothelial dysfunction while analyzing the influence of different variables and adjusting for covariates.

Data obtained from a continuous glucose monitoring system(CGMS), a device that continuously records interstitial glucose for a 72 hour period, is used to calculate glycemic variability. Serology for the determination of endothelial dysfunction biomarkers is obtained on day three.

Pearson and Spearman Rank Order correlations are utilized to determine whether there are any significant correlations between measures of glycemic variability and biomarker levels of endothelial dysfunction. Multiple regression analysis would also determine if glycemic variability predicts elevated biomarker levels even after controlling for other variables.

Provided the high prevalence of diabetic complications and their staggering socioeconomic costs, it is important to elucidate the relationship between glycemic variability and endothelial dysfunction.

Current smoker or significant smoke exposure(defined as greater than 2 hours of exposure to second-hand smoke within the preceding 48hrs)

Sympathomimetic use within the past week

History of cardiovascular disease

History of paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria

History of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura

History of stage II-V Chronic Kidney Disease

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For general information, see Learn About Clinical Studies.

Please refer to this study by its ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01083043